Diamond Certified Company Report

Diablo Motors

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Diamond Certified Qualification

Based on customer surveys, we declare this company has passed all rating steps and has earned The Diamond Certified Award

David Pak
Director of Ratings Research

Company Credentials
i

Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 239 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Charles S.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

1
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's a good place to buy a car, and they have great service.

They have great service, and they always wash my cars.

Daniel P.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

2
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

No-hassle used car buying

I liked that it was easy for me to get my used car without really needing to do a lot, and I got a great car.

David N.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

3
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very personable and easy to work with.

If you need something taken care of it feels like a very personalized service. They do everything that they say they're going to do, and they're very customer-focused. They make their customers feel valuable and appreciated. I had a good experience with them.

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Greg Meier, Owner

Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Consignment, Service has been providing pre-owned, late model cars, trucks and SUVs for Bay Area drivers since 1994. The company specializes in selling, servicing, and detailing sport-luxury and sport-utility vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover, and Jeep, but its revolving inventory includes cars and trucks of all types. Each vehicle that leaves its San Ramon showroom is AutoCheck Certified, undergoes a 200-point inspection and detail, and comes with a 90-day guarantee.

Owner Greg Meier says Diablo Motors takes a calm and respectful approach when dealing with customers. “We eliminate the cheesy, high-pressure atmosphere that’s found at most dealerships.” Mr. Meier considers his company a one-stop shop for people looking to purchase used vehicles. “We offer competitive financing, accept trade-ins, offer extended warranties and even take care of all DMV work. And we’re here for the continuing maintenance, detailing and upgrades down the road.”

Diablo Motors’ customers can select from the company’s large indoor showroom or place a broker order for something specific. “Every day, thousands of cars come off lease and are sold back to the dealerships,” explains Mr. Meier. “I attend those dealer-only auctions regularly and can buy almost any car a customer wants.”

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Diablo Motors

Diablo Motors carries a wide variety of vehicles at its San Ramon facility.

Company Profile

Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Consignment, Service has been providing pre-owned, late model cars, trucks and SUVs for Bay Area drivers since 1994. The company specializes in selling, servicing, and detailing sport-luxury and sport-utility vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover, and Jeep, but its revolving inventory includes cars and trucks of all types. Each vehicle that leaves its San Ramon showroom is AutoCheck Certified, undergoes a 200-point inspection and detail, and comes with a 90-day guarantee.

Owner Greg Meier says Diablo Motors takes a calm and respectful approach when dealing with customers. “We eliminate the cheesy, high-pressure atmosphere that’s found at most dealerships.” Mr. Meier considers his company a one-stop shop for people looking to purchase used vehicles. “We offer competitive financing, accept trade-ins, offer extended warranties and even take care of all DMV work. And we’re here for the continuing maintenance, detailing and upgrades down the road.”

Diablo Motors’ customers can select from the company’s large indoor showroom or place a broker order for something specific. “Every day, thousands of cars come off lease and are sold back to the dealerships,” explains Mr. Meier. “I attend those dealer-only auctions regularly and can buy almost any car a customer wants.”

Company Philosophy

“We strongly believe in taking an honest, no-pressure approach to car sales. When customers come to our showroom, they can expect to receive full-service treatment at self-service prices. We pledge honest transactions on immaculate and guaranteed vehicles, all for private party prices.”

Comparative Summary

Auto brokerage companies are always looking for ways to discern themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Service takes a unique approach to selling pre-owned, late model cars and trucks at its San Ramon facility–its in-house service department puts each vehicle through a meticulous 200-point inspection for safety, maintenance and performance. “We run our car business differently than other companies,” confirms owner Greg Meier. “We don’t believe a customer should buy a car and wonder if it’s a good deal, so we thoroughly inspect each vehicle and add warranties to ensure their satisfaction.”

All of Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Service’s vehicles are CARFAX®-certified, which means customers can view title information, flood damage and total loss accident history, odometer readings, number of owners, state emissions inspection results, service records and more before they make their final decisions. In addition to CARFAX reports, the company provides 90-day guarantees that vary from engine/drive train coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection. “Unlike buying a car from a private party, our customers don’t have to worry about negotiating if something goes wrong,” says Mr. Meier.

Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Service is able to offer wholesale or near-wholesale prices on all its vehicles–including sport-luxury and sport-utility vehicles (mostly Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes)–because of its low overhead and no-salesman approach to doing business. Customers can either choose from current inventory or request specific models to be purchased from local dealer auctions. “Thousands of cars come off lease contracts or are sold back to dealerships by banks every day,” explains Mr. Meier. “I attend those auctions regularly and can buy almost any car a customer wants. We remove the high-pressure atmosphere found at many dealerships by offering our clients a wide range of choices.”

To add to its full-service approach to auto sales, Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Service handles financing, facilitates trade-in deals and even takes care of select DMV work. “This is a one-stop shop,” says Mr. Meier. “There are no pressures or gimmicks, just honest, informative service.”

Industry Info

Research, pre-owned certifications and inspections can take the guesswork out of purchasing a used car. When searching for a used vehicle, consider the following tips to ensure you get the best deal:

• Before you go to a dealer, try to arrange financing with your bank, credit union or other financial institution. It’s best to know the total cost, including price, down payments, the interest rate and monthly payments in advance.
• Don’t sign any documents until you’ve read and understood them. Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson’s verbal promises are included, and the type of warranty that comes with the car is clear and understood.
• If you’re required to make a deposit, ask whether it’s refundable and under what circumstances. Make sure the information is also included in the contract (the contract may be your only receipt).
• Look for models and dealers that feature guarantees and pre-inspections.
• Take a prospective vehicle to a trusted mechanic. Have them perform an engine compression test and check the spark plugs, ignition system, transmission fluid, power steering, cooling system, braking system, suspension, differential and any other important mechanical parts.
• Check for online or local references and the reviews of used car dealers.
• Ask to see a CARFAX® report to discern any problems that might be hidden in a car’s history.
• Ask about how the dealer follows up with customers after the sale.

Greg Meier, owner of Diablo Motors Auto Sales, Brokerage, Service in San Ramon, says it’s a good idea to go through an auto brokerage firm when searching for a used car. “An auto brokerage operates like a real estate agent who finds a buyer and seller and puts them together for a fee. Brokerages buy cars with their own money and put them through inspection and detailing processes before selling them. They don’t sell low-quality cars, because it puts their customer relationships at risk.”

More information about researching dealers and repair shops can be found at the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s website, www.autorepair.ca.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: We get our vehicles from various sources, including local trade-ins and private parties. Many are from dealer auctions, lease turn-ins or similar sources.

Q: What does certified pre-owned mean?

A: A certified pre-owned vehicle has passed our 200-point inspection and comes with our exclusive 90-day warranty. If we find anything wrong with the car, we’ll fix it, and if we missed anything, we’ll fix that, too. We also provide a vehicle history report to ensure the overall quality of the car.

Q: Do you offer any guarantees?

A: We offer a 90-day guarantee for every vehicle, which varies based on the price of the car. Vehicles priced over $10,000 include a 90-day, bumper-to-bumper warranty. Cars priced between $5,000 and $10,000 include a 90-day engine/drivetrain warranty, and cars priced under $5,000 include a smog and safety guarantee. Extended warranty options are also available.

Q: How do you price your cars?

A: Depending on the make and model, we generally price our cars at KBB private party. It’s similar to buying a car from a private party, but with our inspection and guarantee, you minimize your risk and won’t have to worry.

Q: What if I don’t like the car you get from a broker or auction deal?

A: If someone comes in and places an order for a vehicle, we guarantee the customer’s satisfaction or there is no obligation to purchase. So far, that hasn’t happened. I’m so picky about the cars I buy at dealer auctions that I’m confident they’re going to both meet and exceed your specifications.

Q: Should I be leery of buying a car at an auction?

A: Yes, because it depends on the auction and the buyer. There are two kinds of auctions—dealer and public—and people often lump them together. Public auctions are generally for repos and impound vehicles; my customers typically don’t want to buy a project car. Dealer-only auctions have the same cars you see on the big dealership lots. So, if you buy a certified pre-owned BMW that’s two or three years old from the BMW dealer, it’s likely a dealer auction car. I don’t suggest going to a public auction unless you’re a mechanic and looking for a fixer-upper.

Q: How do you clean cars when you get them?

A: Our 200-point inspection covers the mechanicals. We check all the moving parts, from electric windows and door locks to tires and brakes. If it’s not working correctly, it gets replaced. Each vehicle also gets a thorough interior and exterior detail, which makes it look and smell as good as new.

Greg Meier: No Strings Attached

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAMON — Greg Meier had barely reached adulthood when he resolved to turn his automotive fascination into a lifelong career, but he never anticipated how far it would take him. “I was a car nut in high school, and back in those days, what you drove was part of who you were,” he remembers. “I had a ’66 Mustang that I took apart and put back together probably 20 times. Even after going to college to study architectural design, I ultimately decided I wanted to make cars my livelihood.”

Rather than enroll in a trade school or start working in a local repair shop, Greg opted to take a more self-determining route. “I started out small: I sold my car and bought two cheaper ones, sold those two and bought three more, and just kept reinvesting my money,” he says. “I didn’t really set out to be a salesperson, but I guess if you’re nice and honest with people, it just kind of flows.” Through the exponential growth of his investments, Greg was eventually able to establish a centrally located auto sales, brokerage and consignment service in San Ramon.

Today, as owner of Diablo Motors, Greg credits much of his success to his straightforward, no-strings-attached brand of salesmanship. “When you buy a car here, it generally takes 30 minutes to an hour because we remove all the haggling and arguing from the equation,” he explains. “We do this by showing all the pertinent numbers upfront, with the Kelley Blue Book retail price and our discounted price side by side. When a customer sees they’re already getting $3,000 off the retail price, there’s not a lot to argue about. Not to mention the fact that we do a 200-point inspection and guarantee each car we sell, which you don’t usually see at the big dealerships.”

A long-time resident of Danville (where he lives with his wife, Kellie, and their daughter, Rachael), Greg spends his time outside of work engaged in a variety of active pastimes. “I’m an avid cyclist, and I typically ride 100 to 200 miles each week,” he says. “I often ride my bike to pick up new cars, which lets me get a workout while sparing the air. I’m also an avid skier, whether it’s on the slopes during the winter or on the Delta during the summer.”

In his life and career, Greg espouses the virtue of making a positive impact. “I feel like my mission in life is to improve everything around me as best as I can,” he says. “For example, I do my part to help the environment by selling only fuel-efficient vehicles that are well-tuned and catalytic converter-compliant.” In keeping with this philosophy, when asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Greg says he’d refocus his efforts toward saving the planet. “I would get involved in something that benefits the environment, like solar energy or Green building. I’d also like to buy a house in the hills that’s in close proximity to some nice skiing and biking spots. Also, my wife is into Equestrian sports, so she’d be able to have horses on the property.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1966 Mustang.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Definitely music, particularly from the ’80s, since that’s what I listened to during my formative college years.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Caddyshack.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I just got back from Italy, and I’d go right back.

Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars.

Expert articles

The Truth About Oil Change Intervals

by Greg Meier, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

SAN RAMON — With the improved quality of modern synthetic oil products, many high-end auto manufacturers have extended their recommended oil change intervals. In some cases, manufacturers endorse driving for as many as 12,000 to 15,000 miles between services. This may be a good idea in theory, but in practice, it can lead to adverse consequences.

Over time, airborne contaminants cause engine oil to become dirty, regardless of whether it’s a synthetic or conventional product. So, if you keep the same oil in your car for 12,000 to 15,000 miles, you’ll allow that dirt to continue cycling through the engine, which will inevitably cause excessive wear and tear. To avoid this, skip the manufacturer’s recommendation and plan to have your oil changed every 5,000 miles.

Expert video tip

Video: The Truth About Oil Change Intervals

with Greg Meier of Diablo Motors

Complete Video Transcription:

SAN RAMON — Host, Sarah Rutan: While many car manufacturers are recommending longer oil change intervals, this may not be such a good idea in practice. Today we’re in San Ramon with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Greg Meier of Diablo Motors to learn why.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Greg Meier: Many of today’s highline car manufacturers recommend a longer oil change interval, from twelve to fifteen thousand miles between oil changes. And, as a shop owner, we recommend a much shorter oil change interval because of the wear and tear that longer intervals cause on the engine, on the metal parts.

When you have a hundred percent synthetic oil, which we have here brand new, and here is dirty oil – it’s still synthetic, but it’s dirty – this oil will hold the dirt in it. And, if you keep your oil in the car for twelve to fifteen thousand miles, you’re leaving that same dirt to cause wear and tear inside the engine. We recommend that shorter term interval because then we get the dirt out. Yes, true, the oil is equipped to last longer, but the dirt is still in there.

So, at Diablo Motors, we recommend a five thousand mile oil change interval.

239 SURVEYS

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Diamond Certified Qualification

Based on customer surveys, we declare this company has passed all rating steps and has earned The Diamond Certified Award

David Pak
Director of Ratings Research

Company Credentials
i

Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 239 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Diablo Motors:
Average 8.8 out of 10 based on 239 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Charles S.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

1
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's a good place to buy a car, and they have great service.

They have great service, and they always wash my cars.

Daniel P.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

2
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

No-hassle used car buying

I liked that it was easy for me to get my used car without really needing to do a lot, and I got a great car.

David N.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

3
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very personable and easy to work with.

If you need something taken care of it feels like a very personalized service. They do everything that they say they're going to do, and they're very customer-focused. They make their customers feel valuable and appreciated. I had a good experience with them.

Ryan W.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

4
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They had great customer service, and they did a great job.

The fast and quick service, they answered all of my questions, and they got the loan for me.

Howard C.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

5
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very courteous when you go in to have your car serviced.

The responsive behavior of the people who work there

James P.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

6
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were easy to deal with, it wasn't a pushy sale, and they weren't overbearing whatsoever. I would go back and buy another used car from them.

There weren't a lot of pushy people.

James S.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

7
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's a fantastic place to get a car and get good service. They take care of you after you buy the car.

Greg and Tony are fantastic guys, and they'll do anything to help you get what you need.

Lynn M.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

8
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The owner is professional, he knows his product, and he works hard to represent the best company he can.

The owner, he's a great guy.

Marc W.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

9
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they're excellent. They have an excellent reputation, they stand behind their product, and I've been doing business with them for a long time.

The quality of their product and the quality of service, it's not only before service but after service, they're a great company to do business with.

Luke R.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

10
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Greg literally buys his automobiles used from auctions, and he sells them for a very reasonable price. You cannot beat it for price performance. Greg's model is simple, he sells the car at a reasonable price, and he makes the money with long-term service.

The price performance model, and I love Greg. He's a great guy.

Scott W.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

11
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're trustworthy, and it's a good place to go.

They had what I wanted, and they were easy to deal with. It was a super easy buying experience.

Elijah H.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

12
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The owner, Greg, is very friendly and very efficient.

The good service, they're very friendly and efficient.

Theresa M.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

13
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Use them. I highly recommend them.

They were very personable, and I felt like I was getting a good deal.

William S.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

14
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They have a nice selection of cars.

There's no pressure.

Adrian J.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

15
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I felt very comfortable doing business with them. They were very knowledgeable.

The quality of the service

Albert R.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

16
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I liked the salesman I talked to. He was very pleasant and helpful. I'm not sure, but I think he was the owner.

He was very helpful. I just took off with the car.

Brenda B.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

17
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The price was good, and the service was great. I really liked Greg.

The service, there was no back and forth. It was easy to make the deal. It was nothing like the dealership.

Cara W.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

18
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The owner is very helpful and honest.

I felt confident that I would come out driving something great. I've had no problems.

Carlos R.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

19
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Good price without pressure

The good selection and the no pressure attitude

Cecelia M.

VERIFIED Diablo Motors CUSTOMER

20
of
239

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were very helpful, they listen to my needs, and they took care of me.

I felt very comfortable talking to the staff. They were willing to negotiate the price, and they did their best to accommodate me because I had a little one with me. They were very fast and helpful.